About biometric technology

Biometrics refers to the automatic identification of a living person based on physiological or behavioural characteristics. There are many types of biometric technologies on the market: face-recognition, fingerprint recognition, finger-geometry, hand geometry, iris recognition, vein recognition, voice and signature.

The method of biometric identification is preferred over traditional methods involving passwords and PIN numbers for various reasons: The person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of-identification or the identification based on biometric techniques obviates the need to remember a password or carry a token or a smartcard.

With the rapid increase in use of PINs and passwords occurring as a result of the information technology revolution, it is necessary to restrict access to sensitive/personal data. By replacing PINs and passwords, biometric techniques are more convenient in relation to the user and can potentially prevent unauthorised access to or fraudulent use of ATMs, Time & Attendance Systems, cellular phones, smart cards, desktop PCs, Workstations, and computer networks. PINs and passwords may be forgotten, and token based methods of identification like passports, driver's licenses and insurance cards may be forgotten, stolen, or lost.

Various types of biometric systems are being used for real-time identification; the most popular are based on face recognition and fingerprint matching. However, there are other biometric systems that utilise iris and retinal scan, speech, face, and hand geometry.